What are some good career choices for people with ADHD. Which jobs allow adults with ADHD to thrive and utilize their natural talents. How can individuals with attention deficit disorder find fulfilling work that suits their unique abilities.

Understanding ADHD in the Workplace: Challenges and Strengths

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects many adults in their professional lives. While ADHD can present certain challenges in the workplace, it also comes with unique strengths that can be leveraged in the right career. Understanding how ADHD manifests at work is key to finding a fulfilling profession.

Common Workplace Challenges for Adults with ADHD

• Difficulty maintaining focus on repetitive tasks
• Problems with time management and meeting deadlines
• Disorganization and losing important items
• Trouble with prioritization and multitasking
• Impulsivity in decision making

ADHD Strengths in the Workplace

• High energy and enthusiasm
• Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
• Hyperfocus on interesting tasks
• Quick problem-solving abilities
• Resilience and adaptability

The key is finding careers that minimize the challenges while maximizing the strengths associated with ADHD. Let’s explore some fulfilling job options that tend to work well for many adults with ADHD.

Teaching and Child Care: Engaging Careers for Dynamic Personalities

Many adults with ADHD thrive in careers working directly with children, such as teaching or child care. These professions allow them to channel their energy, creativity, and ability to think on their feet.

Why Teaching Appeals to ADHD Adults

• Dynamic environment with varied daily tasks
• Opportunity to be creative with lesson plans
• Ability to move around the classroom
• Shorter periods of focused attention required
• Meaningful work helping shape young minds

For those with a passion for education, becoming a school teacher can be an excellent career choice. The energetic nature of a classroom setting matches well with the high energy levels often seen in adults with ADHD.

Child Care and Early Childhood Education

Working in daycare or preschool settings can also be rewarding for adults with ADHD. These environments allow for frequent transitions between activities and creative projects, which aligns well with the ADHD brain’s need for stimulation and novelty.

As one ADDitude reader named Lori shared: “I love working with toddlers and preschoolers — they understand me! We jump from one project to the next and they rarely know when I’m off task.”

Journalism and Media: Careers for Quick Thinkers and Creative Minds

The fast-paced world of journalism and media can be an excellent fit for adults with ADHD who thrive on variety and short deadlines. These careers offer constant stimulation and the opportunity to engage with diverse topics and people.

Benefits of Journalism for ADHD Professionals

• Varied assignments and work settings
• Opportunity to hyper-focus on breaking stories
• Short-term projects with quick turnaround
• Constant influx of new information
• Collaborative work environment

Journalists with ADHD often excel at thinking on their feet, quickly processing information, and adapting to changing situations. The dynamic nature of newsrooms can help maintain focus and engagement.

Copy Editing: Attention to Detail in Short Bursts

For those who prefer a slightly more structured role within media, copy editing can be a great fit. This job requires intense focus for short periods, which aligns well with the ADHD brain’s ability to hyperfocus.

An ADDitude reader named Patti shared her experience: “My best job was in a busy newsroom as a copy editor. There was constant activity and fast deadlines. If I had 15 things to focus on at once, I was golden!”

Culinary Arts: Creative Expression and Immediate Results

The food industry offers numerous opportunities for adults with ADHD to channel their creativity and energy into producing tangible results. From professional chefs to line cooks, culinary careers can be highly rewarding for those with ADHD.

Why Cooking Appeals to the ADHD Brain

• Hands-on, creative work
• Immediate feedback and results
• Fast-paced environment
• Opportunity for hyper-focus during meal preparation
• Variety of tasks and challenges

Cooking requires focus on the immediate task at hand, which can help adults with ADHD stay engaged and productive. The varied pace of kitchen work, with its periods of intense activity followed by lulls, can also suit the ADHD brain’s need for stimulation.

From Corporate to Culinary: A Career Change Success Story

Alexis Hernández, a chef contestant on The Next Food Network Star, shared his experience of switching from corporate America to culinary school: “ADHD people aren’t mentally [inferior to] anyone else. They are extremely creative. If you are able to manage it, understand what your strengths are, and not feel bad about your symptoms, it’s not something horrible.”

This illustrates how embracing one’s ADHD traits and channeling them into a passion can lead to a fulfilling career change.

Beauty Industry: Creativity and Social Interaction Combined

Careers in the beauty industry, such as hairstyling, makeup artistry, and nail care, can be ideal for adults with ADHD. These professions offer a perfect blend of creativity, social interaction, and varied short-term tasks.

Advantages of Beauty Industry Careers for ADHD Adults

• Constant flow of new clients and challenges
• Opportunity for creative expression
• Physical activity and movement throughout the day
• Short-term focus required for each client
• Varied tasks prevent boredom

Beauticians, hairstylists, and makeup artists often find that their work aligns well with ADHD traits. The constant influx of new clients provides the novelty and stimulation that many with ADHD crave, while the creative nature of the work allows for expression of ideas and artistic talents.

A Hairstylist’s Perspective

One ADHD adult working as a hairstylist shared: “Being a hairstylist is the best job for this ADHD mama. I get a new client every 30-45 minutes, which keeps me interested and focused. I’m on my feet moving around all day, and I get to be creative and make people feel good about themselves.”

This testimony highlights how the varied nature of beauty industry work can keep ADHD professionals engaged and fulfilled in their careers.

Entrepreneurship: Harnessing ADHD Traits for Business Success

Starting and running a business can be an excellent career path for adults with ADHD. Entrepreneurship allows for the flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills that often come naturally to those with ADHD.

ADHD Traits That Benefit Entrepreneurs

• Ability to hyperfocus on passionate projects
• Creative thinking and innovation
• High energy and drive
• Willingness to take risks
• Adaptability in the face of challenges

Many successful entrepreneurs have ADHD, and some even credit their condition as a contributing factor to their success. The ability to think outside the box and see connections that others might miss can be a significant advantage in the business world.

Tips for ADHD Entrepreneurs

1. Focus on businesses aligned with your passions
2. Develop strong systems and routines to manage tasks
3. Delegate tasks that don’t play to your strengths
4. Use technology and tools to stay organized
5. Seek mentorship from other ADHD business owners

While entrepreneurship can be challenging, it offers the freedom to create a work environment that best suits your ADHD brain, potentially leading to greater job satisfaction and success.

Technology and IT: Leveraging Hyperfocus and Problem-Solving Skills

The technology sector offers numerous career opportunities that can be well-suited to adults with ADHD. Jobs in programming, web development, and IT support often align with ADHD strengths such as hyperfocus, creative problem-solving, and the ability to think systematically.

Why Tech Careers Can Work for ADHD Professionals

• Opportunities for deep focus on coding or problem-solving
• Constant learning and skill development
• Clear objectives and measurable results
• Variety of projects and challenges
• Flexible work environments in many tech companies

Many adults with ADHD find that they can enter a state of hyperfocus when working on interesting coding projects or troubleshooting complex technical issues. This ability to concentrate intensely can be a significant advantage in tech roles.

Specific Tech Roles to Consider

1. Software Developer
2. UX/UI Designer
3. Data Analyst
4. IT Support Specialist
5. Cybersecurity Analyst

These roles offer a mix of creative and analytical work, often with the flexibility to manage tasks in a way that suits individual working styles. Many tech companies also offer remote work options, which can be beneficial for ADHD adults who struggle with traditional office environments.

Sales and Marketing: Channeling Enthusiasm and Creativity

Sales and marketing can be excellent career choices for adults with ADHD who are outgoing, creative, and enjoy variety in their work. These fields allow for the use of natural ADHD traits such as enthusiasm, quick thinking, and the ability to connect with people.

ADHD Strengths in Sales and Marketing

• High energy and charisma
• Ability to think on your feet
• Creative approach to problem-solving
• Enthusiasm for new products or ideas
• Skill in building relationships

Many adults with ADHD excel in roles that require pitching ideas, networking, and developing creative marketing strategies. The fast-paced nature of sales and the creative aspects of marketing can keep ADHD professionals engaged and motivated.

Specific Roles to Explore

1. Account Executive
2. Digital Marketing Specialist
3. Social Media Manager
4. Brand Ambassador
5. Event Planner

These roles often involve a mix of tasks and interactions, which can help maintain interest and prevent boredom. The challenge of meeting sales targets or launching successful marketing campaigns can also provide the kind of stimulation that many ADHD adults thrive on.

While finding the right career can be challenging for adults with ADHD, numerous options allow for the expression of creativity, use of high energy, and application of unique problem-solving skills. By understanding personal strengths and seeking roles that align with them, individuals with ADHD can find fulfilling and successful careers across various industries.

16 Creative ADD Career Options

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Good Jobs for People with ADHD

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all career that works for every adult with ADHD (wouldn’t that be nice?), there are certain professions that utilize and celebrate attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) strengths more than others. The following jobs for people with ADHD help many reach their full potential by putting their natural skills to work.

Becoming a school teacher is a good career choice for many adults with ADHD who are energetic, creative, and dynamic.
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ADHD Job #1: Teacher

Many adults with ADHD find joy in professions that allow them to work directly with children — in careers such as teaching or child care. These jobs rely on your dynamic personality and thoughtful creativity, though they may put your patience to the test. To succeed in a kid-focused career, you must be able to think on your feet and transition from task-to-task quickly — and understanding the challenges and strengths of students with ADHD is a huge plus, too.

An adult with ADHD explains why she loved working as a daycare preschool teacher who makes creative projects with kids.
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ADHD Job #2: Daycare Worker

“I love working with toddlers and preschoolers — they understand me! We jump from one project to the next and they rarely know when I’m off task.”
– Lori, an ADDitude reader

Adults with ADHD working as journalists who thrive on daily changes and short deadlines.
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ADHD Job #3: Journalist

A career in journalism is exciting, creative, and rewarding for dedicated reporters and writers who deal well with day-to-day changes in work setting. Most journalists cover a broad range of topics, interact with a variety of people, and deliver a quick turnaround on assignments — all a good fit for a person with loads of energy, a short attention span, low boredom threshold, and problems with sustained focus over days. Hard deadlines, however, may be a challenge.

An adult with ADHD typing on her computer as a copyeditor for a news organization.
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ADHD Job #4: Copy Editor

“My best job was in a busy newsroom as a copy editor. There was constant activity and fast deadlines. If I had 15 things to focus on at once, I was golden!”
— Patti, an ADDitude reader

[Free Download: 8 Dream Jobs for Adults with ADHD]

Chef Alexis Hernández prepares a dish while explaining why culinary school is ideal for creative adults with ADHD.
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ADHD Job #5: Chef

“I left corporate America to join culinary school because that was my passion. ADHD people aren’t mentally [inferior to] anyone else. They are extremely creative. If you are able to manage it, understand what your strengths are, and not feel bad about your symptoms, it’s not something horrible.“
— Alexis Hernández, chef contestant on The Next Food Network Star

A chef with ADHD prepares a creative meal as part of his job in the culinary arts.
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ADHD Job #6: Food Industry Worker

Some adults with ADHD flourish in the culinary arts because the work is creative and relatively unaffected by ADHD-related deficits. Cooking requires you to focus on the task at hand and take immediate steps to create a finished product, while not demanding long-range planning or lots of working memory. Unusual or flexible hours, with sporadic ebb-and-flow pacing, add just the right touch of excitement to promote focus and attention.

An adult with ADHD works as a beautician who sees multiple clients each day and stays busy with varied jobs.
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ADHD Job #7: Beautician

Hairstylists, manicurists, and cosmetologists are constantly meeting with new clients — each one providing a unique creative challenge requiring only short-term focus. These professionals remain on their feet all day and jump from task to task quickly, an ideal working situation for an adult with hyperactive-type ADHD. Plus, the constant influx of customers provides ample social interactions and quick task turnover, leaving little opportunity for boredom.

A woman with ADHD working as a hairdresser explains why that is the best, most interesting career for her.
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ADHD Job #8: Hairstylist

“Being a hairstylist is the best job for this ADHD mama. I get a new client every 45 minutes and each person is so different! I can work 10-12 hours and feel like I haven’t worked more than 3.”
— Robin, an ADDitude reader

A small business owner with ADHD places a Open sign in her shop window.
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ADHD Job #9: Small Business Owner

Starting a small business suits the strengths of ADHD. The hours are more flexible (though often more plentiful, too) and as an entrepreneur you are your own boss. Work settings can vary from day to day, which accommodates the restlessness and boredom that many adults with ADHD experience. Plus, you get to focus on your true passion: making your career and life more meaningful.

A man with ADHD working at home explains why working for himself is the best job.
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ADHD Job #10: Entrepreneur

“I got the feedback in my old jobs that I was good at starting things but not at finishing projects. Being a self-employed grant writer is a way around that, because there are defined projects with a defined life to them.”
— Daniel G., an ADDitude reader

[Free Download: 6 Ways to Retain Focus (When Your Brain Says ‘No!’)]

An emergency first responder fire fighter with ADHD.
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ADHD Job #11: Emergency First-Responders

EMTs, police officers, and firefighters must work well under pressure and make split-second decisions. These jobs allow you to work in a variety of settings, while providing the kind of adrenaline-pumping excitement that helps many individuals with ADHD focus their minds. When others start to panic in chaos, the ADHD brain kicks into high gear allowing you to see problems clearly and complete the task at hand.

A nurse with ADHD explains why working in surgery is stimulating for her ADHD brain.
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ADHD Job #12: Nurse

“I’m a nurse in surgery, which is good for my ADHD because it rolls with my fleeting attention, but has enough structure to keep me focused.”
– Rebecca, an ADDitude reader

A computer technician with ADHD works on an enterprise level server.
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ADHD Job #13: High-Tech Field

An ADHD brain is a perfect match for high-tech jobs because an under-stimulated frontal lobe gets jump-started by always-changing technology. Computer technicians rove throughout a company working with others to solve computer problems, while software developers generally work independently — creating and troubleshooting computer code for programs, websites, or apps. Both jobs provide ample opportunity to problem solve and harness that ADHD hyperfocus on small details.

A software developer with ADHD works at his computer on stimulating tasks that captivate this attention for a few weeks at a time.
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ADHD Job #14: Software Developer

“Most software tasks only take a few weeks which helps prevent monotony. As a software developer, the problems I deal with are diverse, interesting, and require constant hands on thinking — great for keeping the ADHD mind on track.”
– Adam, an ADDitude reader

An adult with ADHD works as an actress in a creative field that capitalizes on ADHD energy and creativity.
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ADHD Job #15: Artist

It’s no secret that individuals with ADHD explode with creativity, so it’s no surprise that they generally succeed when surrounded by other artists. Working in a fast-paced, artistic environment is ideal for anyone who thrives in creative chaos. Whether it’s as a TV producer, choreographer, or concert pianist, adults with ADHD are happiest when their work allows them to express their artistic abilities.

A theatrical stage manager with ADHD works with actors and explains why he loves his job in the arts.
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ADHD Job #16: Theatrical Stage Manager

“As a stage manager, it’s up to me to facilitate every part of a production: from meetings and rehearsals to performances. It gives me plenty to focus on and no two days are the same. Plus, it helps that theater people are some of the kindest, kookiest people on the planet. I fit right in!”
– Jessi, an ADDitude reader

[Free Download: How to Manage Your Time at Work]

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The Best Jobs for People with ADHD

Having adult ADHD means your strengths and weaknesses may differ from those of other people. It might be harder for you to stay focused and organized or to finish tasks on time. This can create challenges for you at work.

But some jobs can be a better match for your ADHD. The key is to pick a career that makes the best use of your skills and where your challenges won’t create major issues. You can keep a few things in mind as you consider your future career:

Pick Something You Enjoy

Everyone does better in a job that sparks their interest and keeps them motivated. That’s especially true if you have ADHD. If you grow bored and frustrated easily, it’ll be harder for you to stay on track at work.

Before you pick a career, make three lists: what you’re good at, what you like to do, and what someone else will pay you to do. Your ideal job should hit all three categories.

Focus on Your Strengths

ADHD symptoms can differ from person to person. The disorder can make you restless and easily distracted. Or it can make you so focused on a task that it’s hard for you to shift your attention to other things.

The trick is to seek jobs where your ADHD traits may be your strengths:

1. Aim for originality. Research shows that people with ADHD are often creative. It might be easier for you to think up unique ways to solve problems. So jobs that call for original ideas and innovative thinking can be a natural fit.

Sample jobs: Artists, inventors, musicians, designers, builders, teachers, and advertising professionals

2. Work for yourself. To start your own business, you need to be able to take risks, work independently, and stay creative and committed. These happen to be common traits among those with ADHD. But the day-to-day duties of running a company, such as bookkeeping, also require you to be organized. If that’s not your strong suit, it can be smart to partner with or hire people who can handle those tasks.

3. Go at a fast pace. People with ADHD tend to get bored or distracted easily. The upside is that you may thrive in jobs with constant change and a quick pace. When every day at work feels different, you may feel more engaged and interested.

Sample jobs: Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency room doctors and nurses, and television producers

4. Stay social. Some people with ADHD thrive in social settings. If you’re one of them, consider a career based on relationships, such as working with clients or students.

Sample jobs: Salesperson, teacher, and public relations professional

Consider Your Limits

If you get bored easily or chafe under routine tasks, you may need to think twice about working for a corporation where following rules is important or a job that involves lots of tedious paperwork.

Treatment, such as behavioral therapy and medication, can help you keep your ADHD symptoms in check. Even so, it’s important to play to your strengths when it comes to your career.

Do Your Research

On the job hunt? Take the time to learn about different careers. Interview someone who has a job you’re interested in. You may want to shadow them for a day to get a close-up sense of their responsibilities.

Remember that the specifics of the job matter. For example, you may be interested in social work to help others. But some of these positions involve piles of paperwork. When you do your research, you can learn what types of social work jobs best suit your talents.

Get Guidance

If you feel the need for extra insight, consider working with a career coach, psychologist, or a social worker with training in job counseling. They could help match you with potential employers.

The 20 Best Jobs for People for ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be hard to handle in many workplace situations. Those diagnosed with either disorder are impulsive, inattentive and hard-wired against sitting still; as a result, they struggle with staying organized, creating good relationships with coworkers and keeping jobs for long periods of time. ADDitude cites a study that suggests that on average, ADHD-afflicted college grads earn $4,300 less than their non-ADHD peers. 

While this statistic sounds grim for individuals with ADHD, the good news is that there are also a whole range of jobs that are well-suited to their needs. While many jobs require you to complete tasks that might increase your ADHD symptoms, these jobs are exciting and fresh enough to keep even the most hyperactive people engaged. 

What are the best jobs for people with ADHD?

1. Small business owner

Average salary: $59,000/yr (The Balance)

Small business owners might have the ideal job for those with ADHD — they shape their business models however they want, which also means creating their own hours and controlling how many employees they hire. Although average salary for business owners is highly variable (the low estimate is $29,462/yr and the high estimate is $160,606/yr, which is a very dramatic range), the malleability of their work environment may make the risk worth it. 

2. Teacher

Average salary: $59,170/yr (US News)

If you have ADHD, odds are that you struggled your way through grade school, frustrated that other kids were able to focus on math problems while you were distracted by every little movement or noise. Don’t let this keep you away from school as an adult — surprisingly, adults with ADHD do well in a school environment. Your past as a hyperactive child will likely make you more patient with the children who struggle to pay attention in class.

3. Military

Average salary: $39,301/yr (Army sergeant, Infantry; PayScale)

There’s something to be said for a routine to help adults with ADHD cope. Joining the military can be daunting, but the amount of regimented physical labor involved (and the consequences for not following orders) can help ground individuals with ADHD. 

4. Copy editor

Average salary: $45,502/yr (PayScale)

Copy editors fix text so that it is presentable (and legible) for the intended audience, so if you are vehement about good grammar and willing to sacrifice some sleep, this might be the job for you. Copy editing may be tough on your eyesight, but it’s also flexible enough to accommodate ADHD; many copy-editing jobs are remote and allow you to work at your own pace.

5. Entrepreneur

Average salary: $68,893/yr (Indeed)

If you have a million-dollar idea, why not follow in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates and become an entrepreneur? This job is high-risk, high-reward; some strike it big with their ideas, but many fail to capture the attention of their audience and end up in debt. Plus, being an entrepreneur allows you to focus on your passion all day, which is an awesome deal for anyone with or without ADHD.  

6. Journalist

Average salary: $40,038/yr (PayScale)

Being a journalist is invigorating. Whether you’re following a story to some exotic destination or plunging deep into an interview, this job offers exciting opportunities every single day. Plus, for those creative types with ADHD, writing can be the perfect medium for expression. Unfortunately, journalism jobs are pretty unreliable, and it takes a while working freelance to get to a stage where you can support yourself on a journalist’s paycheck. 

7. Photographer

Average salary: $64,162/yr (Salary.com)

Photography is another profession that never forces you to live by a schedule. Photographers are free to take as many gigs as they want and to choose what they’d like to shoot. A huge upside of this career is that you don’t need any degrees to start taking photos; all you need is a trusty camera. 

8. Auto mechanic 

Average salary: $44,438/yr (in New York City; PayScale)

Being an auto mechanic means you have to know your way around the underbelly of a vehicle — and be willing to get your hands dirty. Having ADHD would be of great aid in this profession because you get to work on a bunch of different projects simultaneously, all the while using your hands.

9. Personal investigator

Average salary: $53,854/yr (Glassdoor)

If you loved detective books as a kid and are willing to study for the private investigator state exam, this job could be a great fit. Once you’re licensed to practice, you’ll spend your time combing through potentially fraudulent records, performing background checks and (hopefully) solving mysteries. For a passionate adult with ADHD, the perks of this detective lifestyle will outweigh the cons.

10. Firefighter

Average salary: $45,338/yr (ZipRecruiter)

Firefighters and other first responders have a job that uniquely benefits adults with ADHD. Their work schedule is entirely unpredictable; on some days they may have little to do, but on others they are rushing from fire to fire, crashing through burning buildings and rescuing the wounded from the wreckage. If you can stomach the idea, you should go into this line of work — there will never be too many firefighters.  

11. Chef

Average salary: $68,392/yr (Salary.com)

The kitchen of an upscale restaurant is a notoriously hectic place. Chefs are at the center of this hubbub, creating dish after dish for a seemingly never-ending dinner rush. For obvious reasons, this is a great ADHD-sensitive job — you work intensely for a few hours at a time and then for the rest of the day you’re just engaged in prep or cleanup. Of course, if you want to enter the big leagues, you have to make it through culinary school first. 

12. Tutor

Average salary: $60,075/yr (ZipRecruiter)

Tutoring full-time is a challenge, simply because it can be difficult to find enough clients to support oneself, but the work is incredibly rewarding. This job has all the benefits of teaching — developing a personal relationship with a child, seeing the lightbulb go off behind their eyes as they grasp a concept — without any of the drawbacks of responsibility for an entire classroom. 

13. Sales representative

Average salary: $56,657/yr (Salary.com)

As a sales representative, you are tasked with selling your company’s product. You will either be assigned to inside calling, which entails making phone calls to try to drum up new business or outside calling, which allows you to take trips to visit valued customers in order to continue the business relationship. Another perk of this job is that you’re always meeting new people, which can help you work on your people skills. 

14. Software developer

Average salary: $101,790/yr (US News)

Right now, the field of software development is extremely lucrative. Every business needs a website, and if you have the coding skills to design one, you’re going to immediately become more desirable on the job market. This job requires intense concentration, which can be challenging for those with ADHD, but if you’re passionate about the project, those attention problems will likely fade away. Plus, lots of jobs in tech have insane benefits, like office nap pods or mini-golf — which make for great quick breaks when you get overwhelmed.

15. Graphic designer

Average salary: $48,561/yr (Glassdoor)

Graphic design is a tough field to enter, usually requiring some formal schooling. However, once you’ve mastered the basics, you can literally create whole new worlds at the tap of a finger. Folks with ADHD are reported to possess heightened creativity, according to Scientific American, and this job is perfect for harnessing and utilizing your creativity to your advantage.

16. Hairdresser

Average salary: $24,850/yr (US News)

Cutting hair for a living requires more than just a pair of scissors. Truly great hairdressers are dedicated to the aesthetic world, much like artists and photographers, and need to be creative both in their work and in their communication with the client. Plus, a bustling salon is an appropriate creative space for people with ADHD.

17. Police officer

Average salary: $65,400/yr (Smart Asset)

The itinerant nature of this job is well suited to ADHD needs. Police officers need to be curious, brave and vigilant all at the same time — qualities that adults with ADHD possess in spades.

18. Nurse

Average salary: $68,450/yr (All Nursing Schools)

Although becoming a nurse takes an arduous journey through medical school and a stressful examination, this job can be a good fit for those with ADHD who don’t mind pressure and want to help the world. The hours are irregular, and there’s always something new to deal with; it’s hard for a nurse to ever get bored.

19. Stage manager

Average salary: $52,729/yr (Glassdoor)

For those with ADHD, it is difficult to stay in one job for a long time. Luckily, as a professional stage manager, this is literally impossible — since shows open and close almost constantly, stage managers are constantly looking for their next project. Although they don’t get a lot of recognition from the outside world, they’re absolutely essential to the theater-making process, and everyone in the theatre knows it. 

20. Artist

Average salary: $54,311/yr (Salary.com)

Another way to utilize that ADHD-enhanced imagination is to become an artist. Making a living with creativity alone is not easy, of course, but it’s worth a shot if you think you’ve got talent. Plus, artists make more money per year on average than hairdressers. 

Tips for finding and keeping a job when you have ADHD.

• In the interview process, make sure you’re upfront and honest with your possible employer about your ADHD. Severe ADHD can be classified as a disability, which means protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act, so you shouldn’t worry about your ADHD hurting your chances of being hired. In addition, if you do get the job, being honest about your ADHD can lead to extra understanding from your boss.

• Once you’re in the job, you need to find coping mechanisms to work around your short attention span. It’s difficult to stay engaged for long periods of time, but methods like prioritizing work and maintaining a clean workspace should help you stay on task. 

• Take organization seriously. If you want to keep a job, you don’t wait to forget instructions that are given to you. A notebook and a pencil will go a long way to helping you remember everything you need to do, even if it’s a mess. Also, allow yourself to make mistakes — everyone does, and not everyone has ADHD. 

ADHD may hinder your capacity to focus, but it doesn’t have to prevent you from a successful and illustrious career. There are many more careers open to you than you might think; you just need to think outside the box — something you already do well — and make sure your needs are met.

Help me find a job.

About the Career Expert:

Hannah Berman is an editor of WeScrive Rivista. She also writes for Fairygodboss, where she served as an editorial fellow. When she’s not writing about women in the workplace, she has spent her time volunteering, teaching English lessons to Italian-speaking children in Italy. She has also been a course assistant at Wesleyan University, where she led two weekly discussion sections for students in introductory Italian courses.

Workplace Issues – CHADD

The symptoms of ADHD can create challenges for the adult in the workplace, just as they do for children in school. Some adults with ADHD have very successful careers. Others may struggle with a variety of challenges, including poor communication skills, distractibility, procrastination and difficulty managing complex projects. Seeking assistance from a career counselor, psychologist, social worker or other health care worker with career counseling training can be helpful in understanding and coping with ADHD on the job. Each individual with ADHD has a different set of challenges. Therefore, it is important to consider your unique picture, as you go about designing strategies, accommodations and modifications for the workplace. Below are suggestions for coping with many of the symptoms or impairments associated with ADHD.

1. Distractibility. Problems with external distractibility (noises and movement in the surrounding environment) and internal distractibility (daydreams) can be the biggest challenge for adults with ADHD. The following strategies may help:

• Request a private office or quiet cubicle, or take work home or work when others are not in the office.
• Use “white noise” earphones, classical music or other sounds to drown out office noises.
• Work in unused space, such as a conference room, where distractions are few.
• Route phone calls directly to voicemail, and respond to them at a set time every day.
• Jot down ideas in a notebook to avoid interruption of the current task.
• Keep a list of ideas that come to you during meetings so that you can communicate more effectively.
• Perform one task at a time. Do not start a new task until the current one is done.

2. Impulsivity. Adults with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity and temper outbursts in the workplace. Try the following strategies:

• Learn to use self-talk to monitor impulsive actions.
• Work with a coach to role-play appropriate responses to frustrating situations.
• Ask for regular, constructive feedback as a way of becoming more aware of how impulsivity might manifest in you.
• Practice relaxation and meditation techniques.
• Anticipate the problems that regularly trigger impulsive reactions and develop routines for coping with these situations.

3. Hyperactivity. Adults with the hyperactive presentation of ADHD often do better in jobs that allow a great deal of movement, such as sales, but if you have a sedentary job, the following strategies may help:

• Take intermittent breaks to do photocopying, go to the mailroom, or walk to the water fountain.
• Take notes in meetings to prevent restlessness.
• Move around, exercise, take a walk, or run up and down the stairs.
• Bring lunch―instead of going out to buy it―so the lunch hour can be a time for exercise.

4. Poor Memory. Failing to remember deadlines and other responsibilities can antagonize coworkers, especially when working on a team. To improve memory, try the suggestions below:

• Use tape recording devices or take copious notes at meetings.
• Write checklists for complicated tasks.
• Use a bulletin board or computer reminder list for announcements and other memory triggers.
• Learn how to use a day planner and keep it with you to keep track of tasks and events.
• Write notes on sticky pads and put them in a highly visible place.

5. Boredom-blockouts. Because of their strong need for stimulation, some adults with ADHD become easily bored at work, especially with detailed paperwork and routine tasks. To prevent boredom, try the following tips:

• Set a timer to stay on task.
• Break up long tasks into shorter ones.
• Take breaks, drink water, get up and walk around.
• Find a job with stimulating responsibilities and minimal routine tasks.

6. Time management difficulties. Managing time can be a big challenge for adults with ADHD. Here are some guidelines for improving time management skills:

• Use time-line charts to break large projects into smaller pieces, with step-by-step due dates.
• Reward yourself for achieving each due date.
• Use watch devices with alarms, buzzers, planners or computer planning software.
• Program your computer to beep 5 minutes before every meeting on the calendar.
• Avoid over-scheduling the day by overestimating how long each task or meeting will take.

7. Procrastination. Putting things off not only prevents completion of tasks, but also creates problems for others on the team. Here are some strategies for success:

• Break the task into small pieces, rewarding yourself along the way. (Rewards need not be grand; they might be a new CD, a long walk with your dog, dancing or whatever you enjoy.) It may be helpful to have a coach or someone else to whom you can report and be accountable for achieving each piece of the task, until you learn to overcome your tendencies to procrastinate. See the National Resource Center’s information on coaching for more information on how a coach can help.
• Ask the supervisor to set a deadline for tasks.
• Consider working on a team with a co-worker who manages time well.

8. Difficulty managing long-term projects. Managing complex or long-term projects may be the hardest organizational challenge for adults with ADHD. Managing projects requires a range of skills, including time management, organizing materials, tracking progress, and communicating accomplishments. Try the following guidelines:

• Break projects up into manageable parts, with rewards for completing each.
• Strive to shorten the time allowed on a project to better utilize “sprinting abilities.”
• Ask a coach to assist you in tolerating longer and longer projects, a bit at a time.
• Find and partner with a co-worker who has good organizational skills.
• Look for work that requires only short-term tasks.

9. Paperwork/details. The inability to find important papers, turn in reports and time sheets, and maintain a filing system can create the impression of carelessness. If paperwork is a significant part of the job, try these tips:

• Make it a rule to handle each piece of paper only once.
• Ask an administrative assistant to handle detailed paperwork.
• Keep only those papers that are currently in use; purge the rest.
• Make filing more fun by color coding folders and using catchy labels.

l0. Interpersonal/social skill issues. Individuals with ADHD may unintentionally offend co-workers by interrupting frequently, talking too much, being too blunt, or not listening well. If social skills are a challenge, try the following strategies:

• Ask others for feedback, especially if there is a history of problems with colleagues and supervisors.
• Learn to pick up on social cues more readily. Some adults with ADHD have a hard time picking up nonverbal cues that they are angering a co-worker or supervisor.
• Work with a coach to determine what types of settings often lead to interpersonal/social issues.
• Seek a position with greater autonomy if working with others is challenging.

The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Two federal laws―The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)―prohibit workplace discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The RA prohibits discrimination in three areas: (1) employment by the executive branch of the federal government, (2) employment by most federal government contractors, and (3) activities funded by federal subsidies or grants, including organizations receiving federal funding.

The ADA extends the concepts of the RA to (1) private employers with 15 or more employees, (2) all activities of state and local governments, including employment, and (3) “places of public accommodation,” including most private schools and higher education institutions.

It is important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not automatically make an individual eligible for protection or accommodations under the RA or ADA. The protections of these laws extend to individuals who meet four conditions:

• They are individuals with disabilities under the law;
• They are otherwise qualified for the position, with or without reasonable accommodations;
• They are being excluded from employment solely by reasons of their disability; and>
• They are covered by the applicable federal law.

To be eligible for the protection offered by the ADA and RA, an employee must disclose the disability to the employer. The decision to disclose a disability to an employer or not can be a difficult one. On the one hand, an employer is not required to make accommodations unless the employee has disclosed the disability. On the other hand, discrimination often begins when the employee makes the disclosure. These factors must be weighed before making the decision to disclose.

Reasons for not disclosing:

• If you do not need accommodations
• If you are performing well on the job
• If you feel that disclosing your disability will cause your supervisor and co-workers to discriminate against you

Reasons for disclosing:

• If you fear losing your job because you haven’t received the accommodations you need to succeed
• If you are about to be fired because of performance issues

It is possible to request accommodations without disclosing information about the disability. First, if possible, try to provide the accommodations yourself―by coming in early or staying late to avoid distractions, for instance, or by programming the computer to remind you of appointments. Second, frame requests to the supervisor from a position of strength, rather than bringing up the disability. For example, instead of saying, “I have a disability called ADHD, which makes it hard for me to remember things and follow through,” it might be better to reframe from a standpoint of strength, by saying, “I work best when I use a tape recorder to help me remember everything new, until I get proficient.”

Similarly, instead of, “I know that the Americans with Disabilities Act protects those of us with disabilities from discrimination, so I know that you will need to provide me with special accommodations,” it might be better to reframe from a standpoint of strength, by saying, “I believe my strengths are consistent with the essential tasks of this job. If I can take the time to review my notes in a quiet place before each meeting, I can assure you that I can excel at this position.”

Making a Career Change

Sometimes, no matter how hard they try, adults with ADHD find that their initial career choice does not play to their strengths, and it is necessary to make a change. The following categories reflect aspects of an individual that impact effective functioning on the job. Collect data about each of these categories as it applies to you. This data will permit you to see yourself as a unique, complete person, and to better evaluate the careers that match your characteristics.

1. Interests (professional & leisure). Since individuals with ADHD work better in fields that interest them, it is important that they identify their interests. After the interests have been identified, a consultation with a trained career counselor, who can provide a list of occupations or jobs that correspond to their interests, should be considered. The list of occupations that correspond to the individual’s interests will provide the basis for the steps that follow.

2. Skills (mental, interpersonal and physical). Identifying skills and accomplishments can reveal marketable skills that can be used in various work settings. Generally, skills fall into three categories: skills working with data, people or things. People do best when their skills correspond to the requirements of the job. Skills can be assessed through standardized tests or through checklists that trigger knowledge of success in past accomplishments.

For example, you might ask yourself the following questions:

• What subjects were easiest for you in school?
• What strengths do you think others see in you?
• What skills do you possess that enabled you to succeed in something?
• What strengths do you think teachers saw in you?
• What things about your job performance set you apart from others?

In addition, using a skill word list provided by a career counselor or published in a career book may be helpful in identifying skills that may not have been considered important or considered at all.

3. Personality. What type of personality are you? Personality preferences can be measured by standardized testing or by checklists that force you to choose between two situations. Knowing personality strengths can help improve work habits, increase career options, and achieve a more successful path to a career future.

4. Values (work and leisure). People value different things. It is generally agreed that people work harder and with more focus when the task at hand is in line with their values. Leisure values are also important, because a personal passion can often turn into a career. Career counselors and other professionals who work with career issues, or checklists in career books, can help isolate these values.

5. Aptitudes (verbal, numerical, abstract reasoning, clerical speed and accuracy, mechanical, spatial, spelling, and language). An aptitude is defined as the ability to acquire proficiency in a specific area. It often seems that these are innate, but this is not necessarily true. Aptitudes can also be learned. While a skill is a current ability, an aptitude is the potential to acquire a skill based upon natural talents or training.

Aptitudes can be formally assessed by a professional or by using informal checklists. When you understand what your strengths are, you can compare them to the requirements of any given job. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles and The Occupational Outlook Handbook are two sources for such information. Doing these comprehensive assessments ensures that you have a clear knowledge of the essential tasks of a job for which you are applying, and how your strengths match up with the requirements of the job.

6. Energy patterns (Is there a pattern that’s reliable?). All jobs require differing amounts of energy. Are you a sprinter or a plodder a longer? While those are not real terms, they define the types of people who can either go through each day with the same amount of energy output, or sprint through a job, depleting their energies, and thus feeling “spent.” Some people have a pattern to their energy output, while others do not.

To figure out if there is a pattern to your energy output, keep an energy log for 1 or 2 months. Rate yourself on a scale from 1 (very low energy level) to 10 (very high energy level) three times per day — at the beginning, middle, and end of the day. Record these ratings in a log book or day planner. Periodically review the log to see whether there is any pattern in energy level across the day, week, and month. If a pattern is not noticeable, then it will not be difficult to sustain energy at most jobs. However, if a fairly reliable pattern exists, then it may be necessary to learn how to harness energy to do difficult tasks at times when energy is high and do more “automatic” tasks when energy is low or depleted.

7. Workplace habits (what is expected vs. how we measure up). Job success often depends on personal characteristics, such as dependability, reliability, commitment, and attitude. Consult a career-related book on the reference list for a list of the qualities that employers most often look for in employees. Decide how you measure up to these qualities, and determine whether it is necessary to improve these workplace habits.

8. A complete history of all previous jobs (useful for extracting valuable information). People learn the most from their mistakes and successes. Look back and explore such things as:

• What you liked most about each job
• What you liked least about each job
• The dates of employment (did you leave after a few months?)

Look for patterns that might help to plan for a future career.

Using the Data

After collecting this data, follow these three steps to maximize the chance of success and minimize the chance of failure:

• Read about the jobs you plan to pursue to get a reality check. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Occupational Outlook Handbook and related online sources can help give a realistic view of any given job and dispel any fantasies.
• Talk to others already doing the job through a series of informational interviews. These will allow you to open your eyes to reality and to “try the career on for size.” It’s a good idea to speak to three to five people in a given career to get more than one viewpoint.
• Observe the job for an hour, a day, or a week, or in a volunteer position. This is the only way to pick up unspoken information, such as how hassled everyone might appear, how well-lit an area is, how calm people seem as they interact with each other, and a host of other almost subliminal factors.

When all of this information has been collected, the following questions can be answered:

• What jobs are a “good fit” with my personal strengths, and what jobs are a poor fit?
• What fantasies or false beliefs did I have about the jobs I used to think would work well for me?
• For the jobs that are a good fit for me, what supportive strategies, accommodations or modifications are necessary to maximize my success?

Some helpful resources:

Books

Bolles, R., & Brown, D. (2001). Job-Hunting for the So-Called Handicapped. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.

Brown, D. (2000). Learning a Living: a Guide to Planning your Career and Finding a Job for People with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Dyslexia. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House, Inc.

Dictionary of Occupational Titles. (1993). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Employment Service.

Fellman, W. (2000). Finding a Career that Works for You. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press, Inc.

Latham & Latham. (1994). Succeeding in the Workplace. Washington, DC: JKL Communications.

Nadeau, K.G. (1997). ADD in the Workplace. Bristol, PA: Brunner/Mazel, Inc.

Occupational Outlook Handbook. (1999-2000). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Weiss, L. (1996). ADD on the Job. Dallas, TX: Taylor Publishing Co.

Web Sites

Americans with Disabilities Act, http://www.ada.gov/ada_intro.htm

Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, www.eeoc.gov

What Jobs Are Best For People With ADD and ADHD?

What some view as a hindrance may be a gift

In many careers, the symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), like restlessness, poor concentration, and impulsivity, can easily damage or derail a career. For those of you who fall into the 4% or higher of the workforce with this condition, this can also mean finding yourself in a job where you are bored, distracted, forgetful and disorganized.

Even worse – you can end up in a position where you are always at risk of losing your livelihood.

Fortunately, there is some good news: For some careers, ADD and ADHD can be a highly sought-after talent in disguise. Find the right job, and you will thrive. So, what’s the right job?

Putting your interests, education, and existing skills aside, the right job will generally have these common elements:

1. Autonomy – allowing you to make decisions and work at a pace that works for you
2. Flexibility – providing you with the ability to change often your tasks, priorities, and focus (the opposite of routine work)
3. Low Interruption – giving you a quiet work environment with little disruption so you can focus
4. Creativity – allowing you to think, create, experiment and learn
5. Channeled – enabling you to focus your energy on specific topics and tasks you find compelling and interesting

Finding a job with this blend of elements is the key. Understand what moves and motivates you, how you can express your creativity, and what you are good at doing without actually feel like working.

Need some inspiration? Here are several ideal career segments when you have ADD/ADHD:

• Entrepreneur – There is no daily grind here; everything surrounding being self-employed keeps you on your toes. There is constant change and excitement, but you’ll do best if it’s in a field you find interesting.
• Food Industry – This industry combines creativity, fast movement, and constant change. Whether you are in the front of the house serving tables or preparing food as a chef or cook, this career can provide instant gratification all shift long.
• Sales – The constant interaction and engagement with different clients and prospects means you are always experimenting with new ways to engage with people. 
• Teaching – As a teacher, you are always up on your feet with new material every day and in a generally quiet environment, where you have the general autonomy to decide how you will help share knowledge. 
• Medical – This career will have you on the move, facing new challenges and problems to solve every day – and with a wide variety of medical jobs to choose from, you can focus on a specialty that excites you.
• Creative Arts – Many creative jobs, like graphic design, web design, acting, and others, are ideal for adults with ADD/ADHD. They are easy to channel energy, provide an outlet for creative expression, and often require very little supervision. 

Identifying the best career choice for you

Finding the perfect career is challenging for almost everyone, and when you have ADD/ADHD, it seems even more daunting. However, a quick self-assessment can get you started down a path of exploration.

Create a Self Assessment

There are many ways to do a career self-assessment, but we recommend this as a way to get started:

1. Create three circles and write down three of the first things that come to mind:
   1. What do you love doing,
   2. What are you good at doing, and, 
   3. What someone will pay you to do. 
2. Within each circle, find where the answers overlap – this will give you a direction to start looking. What if nothing matches up? Repeat the task with three new items in any or all of the circles until you find something.

Not ready to make a career switch?

Changing careers can be a significant task, and it may not be practical for you at the moment, so how can you make the best of your current situation? Try to generate some of the appealing elements in your current job.

1. Ask yourself, “what can I do to differently and reactivate the energy within my occupation?”
2. Talk to your supervisor and ask, “How can you use me differently in my current role?” Or “What new project can you assign me to?” 
3. Find ways to utilize your creativity, problem-solving skills, high energy, and enthusiasm.

The most important thing to remember is ADHD adults tend to thrive on their strengths and interests. Look for a job where you can put your ADD/ADHD super-powers to work, and you are on your way to creating a career you enjoy, with sought-after skills and rewarding work.

Impact of ADHD at Work

People with ADHD can struggle in relationships, work, and life in general from living with an invisible disability. These struggles can be more manageable, though, with awareness and use of ADHD informed strategies.

If you have been diagnosed with or suspect you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is important to arm yourself with the right information to help you create a plan to prevent the emotional, financial and negative professional repercussions that can occur, such as losing your job as a result of your undisclosed ADHD.

Impact of ADHD Nationally

A review of empirical data from US-based studies on ADHD published between January 1990 and June 30, 2011, found that unmanaged ADHD has a huge impact on the US economy. Particularly in adult ADHD, and more so in the workplace.

“Overall national annual incremental costs of ADHD ranged from $143 billion to $266 billion. Most of these costs were incurred by adults ($105B – $194B) compared with children/adolescents ($38B – $72B). For adults, the largest cost category was productivity and income losses ($87B – $138B) (Doshi, et al., 2012).”

Employees with untreated ADHD are at risk for:

• Loss of household income – A reported annual average loss of household income of $8,900 to $15,400 (Biederman, Faraone, 2006)
• Poor productivity – A study by the World Health Organization determined that when left untreated, adults with ADHD lose an average of 22 days of productivity per year (Hilton, et al., 2009).
• Loss of Employment – Employees with ADHD are 30% more likely to have chronic employment issues, 60% more likely to be fired from a job, and three times more likely to quit a job impulsively (Barkley, 2008).
• Stress induced illness – Another study on the incidence of ADHD reported that at least 24% of employees on long-term sick leave due to stress-related illness met the criteria for Attention Deficit Disorder (Brattberg, 2006).
• Stigma – Social rejection by peers, minimizing of their ADHD symptoms, name calling, lost promotions, bullying, and job termination are only a few examples revealed in ADDA’s Workplace Committee 2014-2015 survey  “Did You Disclose Your ADHD at Work?”  As a result, ADHDers may experience intense stress as they struggle with shame and guilt as well as working much harder to make up for their productivity challenges.

Impact on Organizations

While many of the symptoms can be issues for individuals suffering from ADHD, some of these symptoms create serious performance issues within an organization that may need to be addressed.  People with ADHD face a number of issues in the workplace. They may include interpersonal conflict, tardiness, high absenteeism, high error rate, inability to change and lack of dependability.  Consequences for these behaviors could include reprimands, suspensions, demotions, loss of pay, and termination.

Despite staggering statistics, and the effectiveness of coaching and training to help individuals
with ADHD succeed in the workplace, the plight of employees with ADHD has been largely ignored.

ADHD impacts the Workforce in that 1 out of 3 persons diagnosed with ADHD is jobless at any time. 

The ramifications of this alarming statistic impact not only those who remain unemployed, underemployed and consistently newly employed, but also has larger socioeconomic impacts. Having continual trouble at work and consequently losing a job is a traumatic experience that erodes a person’s self-confidence. Frequent job changes for the diagnosed and undiagnosed is an endless cycle of relearning intricate job processes, re-entering into new workplace cultures and feeling as if you are failing social expectations, both as a worker and a person. There is the stress of dealing with the demands of management, human resources and colleagues who don’t know what ADHD is and who may not understand an employer’s responsibility to provide accommodations to workers with disabilities.

The impact on the employee cannot be overstated: remaining in lower-level positions throughout life due to frequent job changes means that seniority is not built, income does not increase, accrued leave and retirement contributions remain low. These issues, among others, must help guide your decision to disclose your ADHD.

Employers lose out in this turnover, as well. These employees have potential to be useful assets for organizations: many have developed a sense of humor or resilience as a result of frequent mishaps; they often have developed a wide range of skills they can offer; and they frequently have the ability to learn quickly.

ADHD’s impact on teamwork:

Certain symptoms of ADHD can create challenges for teams. A tendency for many ADHDers is to procrastinate. Their disorganization, their challenges with planning and managing work, and their poor estimation of the time required to accomplish certain tasks all lead to submitting work at the last minute. When working in a team, this can create havoc, as other members may have to scramble at the last minute to complete their tasks because of the late completion of assignments.

Furthermore, ADHDers can present with impulsive behavior where they blurt out things without thinking of their consequences, which can also create friction in the team. ADHD affects a person’s ability to control their emotions, which is one of the executive functions of the brain. Adults with ADHD often have had a lot of challenges and failures in their lives that makes them particularly sensitive to criticism. Employees with ADHD often struggle to control their emotions and may lose their patience easily. As a result, they are more likely to struggle with conflict at work.

The employee faces struggles in the workplace, not the least of which is the reaction of coworkers and supervisors. Areas that often lead to issues with coworkers and supervisors include poor planning skills, inability to transfer knowledge to others, difficulty learning new skills and failure to follow through on commitments. Moreover, coworkers and supervisors may respond with avoidance, complaints or interpersonal conflicts.

With ADHD workplace coaching, most ADHDers can overcome the majority of these challenges.

Having a team and supervisor who are open to accepting a diverse workforce and embracing strengths can have a positive impact.

ADHD’s impact on productivity:

In numerous studies and articles, the link between work productivity and untreated ADHD has shown to be great.

Symptoms displayed in the workplace can have a large influence on how productive the employee is at their job. Employees are easily distracted and may struggle to stay focused, especially in today’s workplace. As a result, they may have a tendency to make mistakes. Their challenges with organizing, prioritizing, and planning also affect their productivity. Effective treatment and ADHD-friendly strategies can help reduce symptoms and allow a person with ADHD to perform their job at an optimum level. Furthermore, factors such as work environment, job tasks, coping skills and workplace accommodations may influence an employee’s ability to succeed. However, some common factors that must be overcome are poor planning skills, memory issues, self-discipline, behavior awareness, lack of motivation and concentration.

An employee with ADHD will likely find they are better able to manage the effect of their ADHD on productivity as they learn about how their brain works and its impact on their efforts. With awareness, comes better-informed strategies. Coaching and training can also greatly help the employee with ADHD.

ADHD and Burnout:

While there has been only one study on this phenomenon, many ADHD professionals agree that a large proportion of their clients have had one or more bouts of burnout, often before their official diagnosis. ADHD-related burnout not only requires rest but also developing organizational skill sets, such as time and project management, improved work processes, and managing distractions at work and identifying whether workplace accommodations are necessary.

The following articles provide strategies for preventing and managing burnout in ADHD employees.

1 Doshi, J.A., Hodgkins, P., Kahle, J., Sikirica, V., Cangelosi, M.J., Setyawan, J., Erder, M.H., Neumann, P.J. (2012). Economic Impact of Childhood and Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the United States. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 51(10). October 2012

2 Hilton, M.F., et al., (2009). The Association Between Mental Disorders and Productivity in Treated and Untreated Employees. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 51(9). pp. 996-1003.

3 Barkley, R. (2008)  ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says UMASS Study . p. 279

4 Brattberg G. (2006). PTSD and ADHD: underlying factors in many cases of burnout. Stress and Health 22: 305-313

5 Biederman J, Faraone SV. (2006). The effects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on employment and household income. Med Gen Med. 8(12)

Worst Jobs For People With ADHD (7 Jobs To Avoid)

In this blog post, we will see what the worst jobs for people with ADHD are. We will also find out what are jobs that suit people with ADHD, how to find the right career path for them, identifying their limitations, and what are some things they can do to attain job satisfaction.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. More than half of the kids diagnosed continue to have ADHD into their adulthood. In adults, ADHD manifests as restlessness, difficulty concentrating and being unorganised. 

Worst Jobs for People with ADHD

People with ADHD tend to be excellent at many vocations. They usually tend to struggle in jobs that are dull, boring, and monotonous. 

The worst jobs for people with ADHD include:

• Legal Clerk
• Event Planner
• Customer Service Representative
• Therapist
• Clerical jobs

If you are also interested in learning about the best jobs for people with ADHD then click here.

Legal Clerk 

Being a lawyer requires careful analysis of a considerable amount of mundane documents, which makes people with ADHD get easily distracted. Whatever the job may be, such as creating wills, contracts, finding evidence for testimonials, it requires the individual to be detail-oriented. This job makes them restless, and they may make mistakes.

Event Planner 

Despite the nature of the occasion, an event planner is required to plan and figure out logistics to the T. These are areas with which people with ADHD usually have trouble. Moreover, they are expected to put on a smile at all times and perform various societal niceties, also with which people with ADHD may have difficulties.

Customer Service Representative

It could be exhausting for people to make calls throughout the day. Additionally, there may be clients who are rude and may err, so the representative needs to keep their temper in check. People with ADHD tend to be impulsive and may not be able to refrain from reacting badly in such situations, making this job not an ideal one for them.

Therapist  

People with ADHD are empathetic but have a shortage of the neurotransmitter dopamine (plays a role in bringing pleasure) in their brains. Consequently, anything that triggers a rush of dopamine is always desirable for them, which can be, say eating carbohydrates, or even “drama” of any sort. The latter can explain why they have issues in relationships.

Clerical Jobs 

Clerks perform monotonous yet tedious jobs involving excellent organisation, logistical, and time-management skills. They may be executive assistants, library clerks, or even bookkeeping clerks. Apart from specific skills, all of these require general requisites like structure and repetition that people with ADHD would find challenging.

Alternative Jobs for People with ADHD

As psychotherapist Mark Spurlock says in an interview Dr Gina Loudon, focus and interest are directly proportional; as interest declines, focus declines along with it. As a rule of thumb, people with ADHD dislike repetitive, monotonous tasks. On the off chance they do love such responsibilities, it could allow them to tackle some of the problem areas of ADHD.  

Here are some jobs that would engage people with ADHD, as they are creative, interactive and favourable for ADHD attributes like empathy, enthusiasm, and energy:

Teacher and Daycare Worker

Several adults with ADHD rejoice to work with children directly. This job is an excellent source for channelling their dynamic personality and innovative thinking, albeit it may test their patience. It requires them to make decisions quickly and move from one task to another in rapid succession. 

Writer, Editor and Journalist

This field is exciting, makes proper use of their creativity and can be highly rewarding. They have the opportunity to explore a wide array of topics, have meaningful interactions with various people, and produce assignments quickly. All of these cater to many ADHD attributes, such as high energy, low boredom tolerance, and short attention span.

Food Industry

The culinary industry may be satisfying for people with ADHD as it utilises their creativity, demands focus only on the task at hand, and allows flexibility in working hours. Additionally, it does not require too much planning, making it an excellent option for them.

Entrepreneur 

Autonomy and flexibility in work hours and settings are the highlights of being an entrepreneur. Besides that, individuals with ADHD can concentrate on their passion and add meaning to their professional and personal life. 

How to Find the Right Career Path for People with ADHD 

There are several considerations to be made while searching for the right career. These include:

Finding out Interests

Understanding their interests is essential. If they are unaware of this, they would require more experience and opportunities to explore various interests.

Satisfying Activities

It is essential to understand the activities that make them feel energetic and satisfied. Further, recognising what about these activities that bring them energy and fulfilment is also beneficial. Keep this in mind while exploring certain content of jobs in which they are interested.

Skills

Identifying their skillset can aid in choosing an ideal job. Sometimes, an individual’s interests and skills may not align. For instance, if their interest lies in becoming an architect, but they are not detail-oriented, then architecture may be the wrong choice for them.

Inherent Abilities and Talents

Certain things come naturally and effortlessly. If a person with ADHD can identify their talents, they can look for opportunities that provide them with an outlet for these abilities. Doing so would bring them much more happiness than being in one that feels like an uphill battle.

Values

Identifying what is important to them can help bring a sort of holistic satisfaction. For example, an individual who considers spending quality time with loved ones to be vital may find that a time-consuming job (e.g., corporate lawyer), even if enjoyable, would go against their values. 

Identifying Limitations

The list above applies to almost everyone. Following are certain things that apply to people with ADHD:

Level of Disability

Understand their level of disability, whether on or medication or not. Often, people with ADHD may have other conditions, such as generalised anxiety or social anxiety disorder. Such comorbidity may make it even more challenging for them at their workplace. Therefore, it is necessary to identify problem areas to know which jobs would be comfortable for them.

Work Hours

It is imperative to determine whether they prefer a fixed schedule (e.g., nine-to-five), flexible hours, or different types of shifts. Typically, people with ADHD have difficulties related to sleep, so that also needs to be taken into account.

Distractions

What is the level and type of distraction that they can handle? Can they manage to work in spaces where people enter and exit continuously (e.g., restaurant, grocery stores, clinics)? Can they take desk jobs where phones may ring, and emails need to be answered frequently? How do they feel working in teams? Such questions need to be considered.

Stressors

They need to identify stressors such as deadlines, frequency of travel, changes in the work environment, planning for projects, or even presenting or speaking in public. This identification would aid in choosing their job.

What Can People with ADHD Do to Attain Job Satisfaction?

There may be an occasion when a person with or without ADHD may be in the right career but does not enjoy their job. It may be more challenging for people with ADHD to make shifts in their life when such occurrences take place.

Suppose the person, with the help of a professional, discerns they are in the right field, are passionate about their job, and their output is impressive. In that case, they can create processes and systems to manage every aspect of their profession. Doing so would help them feel more grounded and feel better about their abilities, and not like an impostor. 

Many times, people do not consider the possibility that their work environment is toxic. They almost always think that the fault lies with them. In that case, altering the surrounding could be sufficient. Following is a list of signs that the workplace is toxic:

• Stringent rules that do not enable for subjective creativity and adjustments;
• Making mistakes are frowned upon instead of being viewed as opportunities to become better;
• Expected to be responsive at all times, and to reply to emails through the day;
• Does not factor in employees’ responsibilities independent of work;
• Lack of teamwork; and
• The boss is always considered to have the final say with no room for disagreement and discussion.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we saw what the worst jobs for people with ADHD are. Further, we learnt of alternate job options, understood how to and how not to find the right career path for them, while also discovering what they can do to be satisfied professionally. 

If you are looking for an alternative, review The Best Strains for ADHD and Anxiety.

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Worst Jobs for People with ADHD

What is the ideal job for people with ADHD?

People with ADHD can perform great in a job of their choice if it interests them deeply and brings joy to them. Specifically, people with ADHD love working with children directly, so being a teacher or a daycare worker would be an ideal fit. Other great jobs include:

Freelance writer or journalist
Chef
Entrepreneur

Is ADHD a disability?

No, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not deemed a learning disability. However, as per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this can be considered a disability, allowing an eligible student to gain special education services. 

With that said, ADHD is classified under “Other Health Impaired” and not “Specific Learning Disabilities.” It is, however, common for children with ADHD to also have a specific learning disability such as

Does ADHD have an impact on one’s employment?

Usually, people with ADHD quit their jobs as a result of a lack of support from their employers. With adequate understanding and appropriate alterations to optimally tap into their abilities and overcome their difficulties, people with ADHD can be excellent assets to an organisation.

What kind of difficulties do people with ADHD face?

ADHD in adults may manifest as follows:

Behaving impulsively
Inability to manage time well
Difficulty dealing with stress;
Being disorganised; 
Facing difficulties in prioritisation;
Incompletion of tasks;
Inability to plan appropriately;
Problems with multitasking;
Difficulty following through;
A low threshold to frustration;
Regular shifts in mood; and
Short-tempered

Is there anyone famous who has ADHD?

There are close to eight million people currently living with ADHD. Therefore, it is a condition many people have, including some famous personalities, such as:

Adam Levine 
Michael Phelps
Paris Hilton
Karina Smirnoff
Justin Timberlake
Ty Pennington
Solange Knowles
Simone Biles
Howie Mandel

What is the thought process of someone with ADHD?

Individuals with ADHD are usually stuck in their present. They have difficulties learning from past experiences or contemplate their future to understand the ramifications of their actions. This sort of an “acting without thinking” or “impulsive” style is characteristic of their thought process and is a primary reason that disallows them to learn from experience.

Does ADHD imply autism?

No, having ADHD does not mean being on the autism spectrum. However, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) share some common symptoms, such as difficulty paying attention and inadequate social skills. It is possible for a person to be diagnosed with both ADHD and autism, according to DSM-5.   

References

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WEBINAR FOR ADD EXPERTS

Date / Time
Date (s) – 08/31/2021
1:00 pm

iCal | | web channel

ADD EXPERT WEBINAR

ADHD Ages & Stages Part 1:
Common Problems and Practical Strategies for Children with ADHD
This webinar will be recorded.

Young children develop a range of behavioral, academic, social and emotional skills.ADHD affects all of these stages and complicates the picture for both parents, children, and educators. In the first of three webinars, Meg Leahy offers practical strategies for supporting children with ADHD in early school years. She will discuss common problems encountered in childhood, as well as the skills, strategies and resources that bring results.

In this webinar you will be able to:

• Explore the unique challenges of childhood ADHD and its impact on children and their families during this period
• Discover research-based strategies and resources to successfully navigate childhood and build healthy self-esteem
• Understand how and when interventions (medical, therapeutic, coaching) should be used to achieve maximum effect

Register here to reserve your seat and access playback.
NOTE: ADDitude offers webinar attendees a Certificate of Attendance but does not provide CEU Credits. The cost of a certificate of attendance is $ 10. If you are interested, register for the webinar and you will receive instructions after it ends. A link to the certificate will also be posted on the webinar replay page after the webinar has taken place.

Register now for the second and third parts of the Age and Age Stages of ADHD webinar series:

Meet the speaker:

Meg Leahy, MS, NCC, BCC

Meg Leahy is a Nationally Certified Consultant (NCC) and Certified Coach (BCC) with special certifications in life, leadership and career coaching.As an educator, consultant, coach, author, and mentor for over 20 years, Meg believes in providing the skills, insights and resources to help people change their lives. She is the co-author of Lifetime Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and writes and speaks extensively on ADHD and other mental health issues.

Watch all upcoming ADDitude webinars, replays on demand and

podcast episodes

90,000 How Do I Become An ADHD Trainer?

The first step you need to take to become an ADHD coach is to complete your training program.Teaching people with Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a fairly new career area, so there are no set standards or rules regarding training and certification. ADD and ADHD are both neurobehavioral disorders, so working with someone who has one or the other is not recommended unless you have the appropriate training. After completing the training, you can apply for certification or licensing, and then start advertising your services and attract customers.

A person should consider completing specialized training before attempting to become an ADHD coach. It is important to understand that being an ADHD coach is not the same as leading a support group. In addition to serving as a source of support for people with ADHD or ADHD, an ADHD coach also acts as a strategic life coach and helps the person improve the areas of their life affected by the disorder. Therefore, proper training is essential.

Training to become an ADHD coach has two goals. First, it teaches you about ADD and ADHD. Without a deep understanding of these two neurobehavioral disorders, training a person who has one or the other would be difficult. Second, it teaches you coaching skills. During your training to become an ADHD or ADD trainer, you will learn both basic skills and skills designed specifically for ADD and ADHD patients.

Finding training programs for ADHD and ADD coaching can be easy or difficult, depending on where you live.People who live in or near densely populated urban areas tend to have easier access to such programs, but this is not the rule. Begin your search for a curriculum by searching the Internet, checking your local phone book, and talking to local mental health workers.

Before choosing a program, check its credentials. You can do this by asking about the program’s links with other professional organizations and even talking to former students.You should also ask the program director or course instructor for certification. Depending on the training program you choose, you may receive a certificate immediately after completing your training, or you may need to apply for a certification. This knowledge can help you choose one study program over another.

After you complete your training and receive your certification, the final step to becoming an ADHD trainer is to gain attention and clients.You can do this in much the same way any other professional or business advertises. Consider setting up a website for your services, handing out business cards at community mental health facilities, and even placing advertisements in your local newspaper. Do not underestimate the benefits of joining national and regional organizations associated with this area. These organizations can help you network, make useful contacts, and bring your name and services to the public.

OTHER LANGUAGES

Russian translation, synonyms, antonyms, pronunciation, example sentences, transcription, meaning, collocations

90,089 90,084 90,085 A 2016 review stated that the use of a gluten-free diet as standard ADHD treatment is not advised.

Lightning Safety Briefing

– Robin Barker, Technical Administrator

What is a lightning strike?

Lightning is a discharge of electricity generated by a thunderstorm.As a thunderstorm develops, many small ice particles in thunderclouds hit each other. These collisions create a positive charge at the top of the cloud and a negative charge at the bottom. Meanwhile, a second positive charge builds up on the ground below the cloud. It concentrates around the tallest objects such as hills, trees, buildings, equipment, and even people. When the difference between the electric charge in the cloud and on the ground becomes large enough to overcome the resistance of the insulating air between them, an electric current flows instantaneously between the two points.This is a lightning strike.

The electrical potential of a lightning strike can reach 100 million volts. Lightning strikes can occur over distances of over 60 km. Lightning occurs both before and after a thunderstorm, so strikes can be observed before and after rain. Lightning can strike the same place and very often spreads 18 m above the ground around the point of impact.

Lightning is always accompanied by thunder. With lightning, the air around it instantly heats up to over 28,000 ° C.As a result, the air expands very quickly and then quickly contracts along the cooling chalk. It is this shock wave that is nothing more than thunder.

Lightning Safety

Despite the popular myth that the probability of being struck by lightning is too low, statistics show that such cases occur very often. In many parts of the world, lightning is the second leading cause of death and injury during thunderstorms following floods. Although only 10% of victims of a lightning strike die (almost always from cardiac arrest or respiratory failure), more than 70% of survivors suffer from severe injuries and disabilities, including memory loss, pathological fatigue, chronic pain, dizziness, sleep problems, and the inability to perform multiple tasks at the same time.

Professionals in the forestry industry are at high risk as they work outdoors near tall trees and heavy equipment, which are very often targets of lightning strikes. Forest managers can avoid lightning strikes by following a few simple safety guidelines.

1. Designate a brigade member who will be:

• Monitor daily weather forecast

• Observe local weather conditions

• Warn other members of the brigade about the possible approach of a thunderstorm

2.When a thunderstorm is approaching, do not start or continue work that cannot be stopped immediately.

3. Learn to anticipate high-risk situations and take the necessary steps to move to a lower-risk area. Do not doubt. If you see lightning, then you are in danger.

4. Follow this rule: If you see lightning, run. If you hear thunder, leave the area.

5. Do not follow the outdated rule that you need to seek cover if the time between lightning and thunder is 30 seconds or less.In this case, you will not have enough time to ensure safety. Always follow step 4.

6. Remain in a safe place for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap you heard or the last lightning bolt seen.

The safest place during a thunderstorm is a completely enclosed and securely constructed building, such as a home, office, school or shopping center.

These are the safest places because of the electrical wiring and plumbing they use.In the event of a lightning strike, electrical current through the wiring or plumbing will be discharged into the ground. If there is such a building nearby, always try to hide in it.

Unfortunately, loggers rarely work near buildings, so other alternatives need to be considered. Sheds, weather shelters, hunting booths, tents, and other partially open or small structures are not safe because they do not have grounded electrical components like large buildings. They are only suitable for protection from rain and sun.Do not try to hide from lightning in these buildings.

The second most secure place during lightning is inside a fully enclosed car, truck or bus with a metal roof and body. The electrical discharge from lightning strikes to these vehicles is grounded by conductive outer metal surfaces. This is the so-called surface effect. Do not attempt to shelter from lightning strikes in vehicles with fiberglass or plastic bodies, or convertibles, as these vehicles do not have surface effect lightning protection.

Heavy forestry equipment such as skidders, loaders, feller bunchers or forwarders with fully enclosed rollover protection (ROPS) have a surface effect and are therefore safe in the event of a thunderstorm. However, machines with only a canopy will not protect you from lightning strikes, as they are exposed to electrically conductive water and do not have a surface effect. Operators of such machines must leave the cab and find a safe place.

Rubber tires on cars and heavy equipment do not increase resistance to lightning strikes. Lightning has already traveled a long way through the air to hit the car. In comparison, a few centimeters of rubber cannot provide additional insulation.

So, if you are on the street and saw lightning, or heard thunder, then find a room. Immediately go to the nearest building, vehicle or machine with a fully enclosed structure to protect the operator’s cab in the event of a rollover.

If you are already inside a building, do not look at a thunderstorm from an open window or doorway. Stay in the inner rooms. Stay away from corded telephones, electrical appliances, light fixtures, radio microphones, electrical outlets, and plumbing pipes and fittings.

If you are already in a vehicle or vehicle cab with a fully enclosed rollover protection structure, stay inside. Do not get out of the car or try to move to another hideout.You may be hit by lightning. Stop work, stop engine, and close all doors and windows. Sit upright on the seat with your hands on your knees and your feet on the mat. Do not touch metal objects that are attached to the outside of the machine, including door handles, window handles, control levers, pedals, steering wheel, and interior walls of the cab. Do not touch radios or telephones connected to an external antenna.

If a thunderstorm caught you off guard and you have nowhere to go:

1. Avoid open areas on heights

2.Try to hide in low places such as ditches, ravines, valleys, canyons, or caves.

3. Stay away from bodies of water such as ponds and streams.

4. Do not try to hide under freestanding tall trees or a small group of trees

5. Take cover among dense, dense, low trees

6. Do not seek shelter in very small rooms or shelters.

7. Do not try to hide under cars or heavy equipment.

8. Stay away from any material that conducts electricity, such as wire fences and gates, metal pipes, poles, rails and tools. 9. Stay at least 15 m away from metal objects such as fuel tanks, cars or equipment.

10. Stay at least 5 m away from other people so that no lightning strikes pass between you.

11. Use your phone only in emergency situations.

If you feel a tingling sensation on your skin, your hair stands on end, if light metal objects begin to vibrate, or if you hear a crackling sound, this means that a lightning strike is likely to occur.